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Labourpower
Search logistics and warehouse assignments. Separate forklift operating from pick-and-pack adverts and check the requested machine experience.
AUSTRALIA · JOB GUIDE
Forklift operator jobs in Australia
Move warehouse stock with an Australian forklift licence. This is a useful route if you already have machine experience; passing an LF course alone does not meet every employer’s experience requirements.
Illustrative photo
This could suit you if…
You have the appropriate Australian licence and want to use practical machine skills in a warehouse or yard.
The trade-offs
Passing a course does not meet every employer’s experience requirement. Working around people and loads needs accuracy and constant attention.
What does the work involve?
Operators move and stack loads, support receiving and dispatch, and work with warehouse or yard teams. The equipment and layout can vary greatly between sites.
Expect site instruction and equipment checks before operating. Fast dispatch depends on controlled movements and clear communication with nearby workers.
Is this an entry job if I have just passed the licence?
A licence and workplace experience are different things. An employer may need someone already confident in its type of loading or warehouse operation. State the equipment and tasks you have actually used, and distinguish supervised training from paid operating experience.
How do I choose an assignment?
Compare the shift times, warehouse location and loading duties. Some roles combine operating with picking or manual handling. A job title alone does not tell you how much of the day you will spend on the forklift.
What do I need before applying?
The correct high-risk work licence is required. LF covers forklift trucks such as counterbalance and reach trucks; LO covers order-picking forklifts.
A licence and machine experience are different things. Tell the recruiter which machines you have used, how recently and in what environment.
Which training is worth doing?
Forklift licensing and classes
Read the regulator’s LF and LO explanations, then choose training for the class needed by your target jobs.
High-risk work training
Choose a registered provider for the licence class the role actually needs. Training and assessment are followed by the regulator’s licensing process.
Pinnacle Safety and Training — forklift LF, Melbourne
LF training and assessment in Port Melbourne or Braeside, with pre-course study. Passing the assessment is followed by a separate high-risk work licence application. The booking page lists available sessions and their fees.
View course and booking details
Access Training Centre — beginner forklift LF, South Australia
Three-day LF training and assessment. Full fee advertised from $770, checked 17 October 2026; regional prices differ and the SafeWork SA licence fee is additional.
View course and booking details
Pinnacle’s Melbourne LF course covers TLILIC0003 over two days plus about three hours of pre-course study, at Port Melbourne or Braeside. Minimum age is 18; physical photo ID and assessment in English are required. A current tuition price was not available to verify; the licence application is separate. Checked 23 October 2026.
Companies and application routes
Find employers and recruitment contacts below.
Greater Sydney
LEAP Labour
Construction and warehouse registration route. Explain your duties, experience and travel limits.
Manpower
Industrial recruitment covers warehouse, manufacturing and transport assignments. Search pick packer, forklift or warehouse assistant and select a location.
How do I put together a good application?
Search forklift operator with counterbalance, reach or LO as appropriate. Match your experience to the advert rather than applying to every forklift listing.
List the Australian licence class and expiry, relevant operating experience and shift availability. If newly licensed, ask for assignments with suitable supervision and familiarisation.
How much does it pay?
A recent Manpower Epping advert offers $36–$37 an hour plus super for a warehouse / forklift role. It requires an LF licence and at least 12 months of counterbalance experience; high-reach experience is preferred.
| Role / shift | Hourly pay |
|---|---|
| Manpower, Epping — experienced LF operator | $36–$37 + super |
Employer-advertised range checked 17 October 2026. This contract role combines around 80% warehouse duties with 20% forklift use, on a Monday–Friday day shift. The advert does not separate casual loading.
This is an experienced-operator example, not a promised starting rate after passing an LF course. Pure operating, high-reach and night-shift jobs need separate comparisons.
Sources and further reading
Forklift licensing and classes
Fair Work: find the applicable award
Pinnacle Safety and Training — forklift LF, Melbourne
Access Training Centre — beginner forklift LF, South Australia
Sources checked 17 October 2026.